Wow, where has the time gone? It does not seem like we are at the end of our time in the Czech Republic. Although we are almost finished, we had a very full day today. First, we were able to sleep in a little longer than normal which I think everyone appreciated. At about 10 AM we were in a gym close by playing basketball with Gypsies. It was a lot of fun. It was fun to watch them not care about the rules (i.e. dribbling the ball as you run, staying in bounds) and just enjoy playing. We were able to play full court and all of them seemed to be having fun. The time passed by quickly. After our game, Travis, Brandon, and Aaron decided it may be a good idea to go through some fundamentals of basketball. So, we used slippers, socks, and hoola-hoops as "cones" for all of us to dribble around. We split them into two teams to make it more fun, and some of us joined the teams. I was very thankful to have another opportunity to spend time with the Gypsies. I've learned a lot from them in the few encounters that I have been blessed to have with them. They are not afraid to be themselves--what you see is what you get. They also were very friendly to us and wanted us to be a part of what they were doing. Many times the language barrier would hinder conversations and it was in those moments that I was able to pray for them. I was also blessed to see their interactions with Joanie and Irena. As soon as the Gypsies see them they are giving hugs and having conversations. They really wanted our attention and for to just spend time with them.
After lunch we split into 3 groups. One group went bowling with some girls we met through teaching English, another group went to Roszachatec to give a presentation and share apple pie with the people there, and the third group went to visit a handicapped man named Johnny. Adam, Josie, Ernie (another American here helping Joanie), and I went to Johnny's parents house and spent time with all of them. Boy did I learn a lot. First, his family fed us a ton! We ate many good cakes and snacks. I was amazed at Johnny's English. He spoke fluently and was the most clear speaker of English I have met here in the Czech. I was amazed at how he hasn't let his disability hinder him. Sure he is in a wheel chair, but as soon as you start talking with him, you don't even notice that he is handicapped. We were able to share pictures with he and his family and through that share a little about Jesus. Then, his father played the guitar while he played the keyboard with his left hand--he doesn't have use of his right--and sang songs to us in English. Watching his interactions with his parents was beautiful. It is obvious his parents love and care for him. His father's love brought joy to me. You could see the love he has for his son all over his face as Johnny talked with us. Watching Johnny's father reminded me of my Heavenly Father's love and how much he enjoys watching His children serve Him. After talking with Joanie after our visit, she informed me that generally when she brings others to visit Johnny with her Johnny's father does not stay in the room to visit. I was in awe of what I saw God do today. Not only did Johnny's father stay and visit with us but he played his guitar for us and wanted to take lots of pictures with us. After he and Johnny played, Adam played the guitar while the rest of us sang "Blessed Be Your Name" to them. I just kept praying for all of them as we sang that God would draw them to Himself, that they would see Christ in us and desire a relationship with Him. We were able to invite them to the lasagna dinner we are having at our church service Sunday afternoon. If they cannot come we are planning on taking them some lasagna and visiting one more time before we come home. Praise the Lord for the way He has ordered our steps here in the Czech Republic and allowed us to be a part of people's lives who we may have never met if it weren't for Him!
In the evening time we all split into two groups and went to youth groups in Havlickuv Brod and Horni Krupa. I am always blessed by being able to worship and fellowship with believers of different countries. One thing I have noticed is the significant difference between people in the church here and everyone else. The transformation of Christ in their lives is evident and sets them apart. We returned late in the evening and did some packing before going to sleep. Thanks for all your prayers and please continue praying for us. We feel your prayers and are blessed to have all your support. Pray for our transition back into the states and for safe travels. We will be going back to Prague late Sunday night and all day Monday. Also, we have a couple people not feeling well on our team, please keep praying for their healing. We only have a few days left, but God can do so much in the time we have left, so keep praying for us to be led by His Spirit and to be able to bless the lives of the people we interact with the next couple days. We are all excited to share all God has done here. See you in a few days!
Tabitha :)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
1.23.09 (Ruth)
Today was another busy day for our team. It was actually our last day of teaching English classes. Some people were in Horni Krupa and others were in Havlickuv Brod. Lisa, Lauren and I actually stayed back and went to Irena’s house to bake some desserts for an activity we had later that night. Although it was a little sad to not be participating with the rest of the group, we had a good time baking and talking to Irena. One of the things that we made was Rice Krispie Treats. We were a little bit nervous about those because we had to use marshmallows that were tasted like strawberry and cereal that was not the same, but although they tasted a little different, people seemed to like them.
After baking we went grocery shopping for some ingredients that we needed for a Lasagna dinner that we will be having on Sunday. We were then able to meet up with the rest of the team in a nursing home in Havlickuv Brod. We started off with a program that consisted, of some powerpoint presentations, songs, and a testimony. I would have to say that a couple of my favorite parts were when all the residents of the nursing home would sing a song for us and when a man stood up in the front and started talking to us in English, thanking us for being there and then going on to tell us about his experience with people from the United States during WWII and how much he appreciated us. We got to hear a little bit more about his experiences later which was great as well.
Once that ended we headed back to Chotebor and went to a building near the dorm. We held a special program where people could come to learn about the United States. We had presentations about the different regions, holidays, foods, and government in the U.S. We also sang a couple of songs and did some line dancing. There were a good number of people there and it was good to see some familiar places from the schools that we had been at. It was a good opportunity to try to establish more connections with the people here and to get them connected to Joanie’s ministry. Although we were all really tired by the end of the day, we really enjoyed all of the activities. Thank you for all your prayers throughout this trip!
Ruth
After baking we went grocery shopping for some ingredients that we needed for a Lasagna dinner that we will be having on Sunday. We were then able to meet up with the rest of the team in a nursing home in Havlickuv Brod. We started off with a program that consisted, of some powerpoint presentations, songs, and a testimony. I would have to say that a couple of my favorite parts were when all the residents of the nursing home would sing a song for us and when a man stood up in the front and started talking to us in English, thanking us for being there and then going on to tell us about his experience with people from the United States during WWII and how much he appreciated us. We got to hear a little bit more about his experiences later which was great as well.
Once that ended we headed back to Chotebor and went to a building near the dorm. We held a special program where people could come to learn about the United States. We had presentations about the different regions, holidays, foods, and government in the U.S. We also sang a couple of songs and did some line dancing. There were a good number of people there and it was good to see some familiar places from the schools that we had been at. It was a good opportunity to try to establish more connections with the people here and to get them connected to Joanie’s ministry. Although we were all really tired by the end of the day, we really enjoyed all of the activities. Thank you for all your prayers throughout this trip!
Ruth
1.22.09 (Aaron)
well, today was a busy one with no let up in future through the weekend. Personally i taught 7 hours of english classes followed by a discussion led by david Novak. He talked about faith and basically defended Christianity to about 6 or 7 nonbelievers in the coffee shop. Others went to a children's home tonight. I did not hear much, but from my experience at children's homes i'm fairly certain there is a good chance that it was a great time for all of those involved.
sort of an inside joke, but i told Tabs (tabitha) that i would give her friends and family a shout out from her and a quote "HEY!"
So basically, everyone started the day by going to separate schools and teaching English. This generally involves lots of pictionary, various "intro" games, and lots of cha cha slides (line dancing). I have been unable to get cha cha slide and the cupid shuffle out of my head. I also highly doubt that I will ever be able to forgot how to dance to these memorable beats, as they have been pounding in my head during and after classes.
The kids seem to be having a great time. I would imagine this has to do with the change of pace and the amount of games we like to play with them. Not to say that the teachers mind, all have seemed very welcoming and excited to have us in the classes and to invite us back.
There is not a lot of new business persay, alot of the same ole stuff for us out here in the Czech! We are going to be very busy until we get back, please keep praying for energy and great attitudes as we hit our home stretch. Also praises that all of our team has been somewhat healthy for about the last 5 days.
I'm also throughing out a hi to my family and Kristine, can't wait to be back, but im having a great time here! cu all soon!
Czeching out, Aaron
sort of an inside joke, but i told Tabs (tabitha) that i would give her friends and family a shout out from her and a quote "HEY!"
So basically, everyone started the day by going to separate schools and teaching English. This generally involves lots of pictionary, various "intro" games, and lots of cha cha slides (line dancing). I have been unable to get cha cha slide and the cupid shuffle out of my head. I also highly doubt that I will ever be able to forgot how to dance to these memorable beats, as they have been pounding in my head during and after classes.
The kids seem to be having a great time. I would imagine this has to do with the change of pace and the amount of games we like to play with them. Not to say that the teachers mind, all have seemed very welcoming and excited to have us in the classes and to invite us back.
There is not a lot of new business persay, alot of the same ole stuff for us out here in the Czech! We are going to be very busy until we get back, please keep praying for energy and great attitudes as we hit our home stretch. Also praises that all of our team has been somewhat healthy for about the last 5 days.
I'm also throughing out a hi to my family and Kristine, can't wait to be back, but im having a great time here! cu all soon!
Czeching out, Aaron
1.21.09 (Bethany)
On Wednesday we went to Malec again. This time my group got to teach the kids what American football is all about. I am not sure who was more excited about it -Aaron or the kids. Aaron did a great job at trying to explain how the sport works. During the first fifteen minutes of explanation, all I saw was mass confusion. But once the kids caught on, they seemed to really enjoy the sport. After gym class, my group taught some 4th graders. It was a nice change to teach some of the younger kids because, as of lately, we have been teaching mostly high schoolers. It is very refreshing to be around younger kids once in a while because they are so full of energy and curiousity.
In the afternoon, I went with Aaron, Brad, and Adam to Joanie's house to hang out with some Gypsy boys. Joanie wanted me to be a part of this get-together because of some of the relationships I started to build with some of the Gypsies when we went bowling with them last week. While at Joanie's house we played some fun card games and had some good fellowship.
In the evening, we all went to a Chotebor ice hockey game. The ice arena was just right down the street from our dorm. Our team got to the game a few minutes late, however, it didn't seem like we missed much. I am glad we have the opportunity to experience a hockey game while in the Czech Republic, but there were several of us -mostly just the girls -who weren't all that interested in the game. Half of us, myself included, left the game before it was finished because we were losing feeling in our fingers and toes. The air inside the ice arena seriously felt colder than the air outside. The game was close but Chotebor beat the other team -whoever it was -by one point. If we got anything out of this event, it was good to have some fellowship with our fellow teammates in a less stressful situation.
As we near the end of our trip, please pray for our strength and endurance that we may finish strong. Please also continue to pray for positive attitudes as we may be wearing on each other in the wrong way as much time has gone by now. In addition, please keep those of us who are sick in your prayers. This week has been a little hectic and many of us are getting run down. Finally, please keep us in prayer as we travel back home in a few short days.
Bethany
In the afternoon, I went with Aaron, Brad, and Adam to Joanie's house to hang out with some Gypsy boys. Joanie wanted me to be a part of this get-together because of some of the relationships I started to build with some of the Gypsies when we went bowling with them last week. While at Joanie's house we played some fun card games and had some good fellowship.
In the evening, we all went to a Chotebor ice hockey game. The ice arena was just right down the street from our dorm. Our team got to the game a few minutes late, however, it didn't seem like we missed much. I am glad we have the opportunity to experience a hockey game while in the Czech Republic, but there were several of us -mostly just the girls -who weren't all that interested in the game. Half of us, myself included, left the game before it was finished because we were losing feeling in our fingers and toes. The air inside the ice arena seriously felt colder than the air outside. The game was close but Chotebor beat the other team -whoever it was -by one point. If we got anything out of this event, it was good to have some fellowship with our fellow teammates in a less stressful situation.
As we near the end of our trip, please pray for our strength and endurance that we may finish strong. Please also continue to pray for positive attitudes as we may be wearing on each other in the wrong way as much time has gone by now. In addition, please keep those of us who are sick in your prayers. This week has been a little hectic and many of us are getting run down. Finally, please keep us in prayer as we travel back home in a few short days.
Bethany
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
1.20.09 (Josie)
Ahoy! (Hello)
Today was a great day for the entire Czech team to catch up on some much needed sleep. We had just spent yesterday in Poland visiting Auschwitz and salt mines, and we didn't arrive in Chotebor until one o'clock in the morning. It was wonderful to be able to sleep in a real bed after three days since we had an overnight on Friday, homestays on Saturday, and Sunday night we slept in the cramped bus. It was also great to sleep in until 11 or 12 in the afternoon (this is the only time we were ever able to sleep in this late).
The girls and I washed our clothes by hand today, which was actually really fun! The washing machine here definitely does not work, so the women on this time decided to get our hands dirty :) We all felt like women scrubbing our clothes and we all laughed by how ridiculous we looked with all of us in the bathroom scrubbing away; however, it was a great time! Later on that day some of the team went to "Exit Klub" at four while others went shopping for our events we will have this weekend and the Horni Krupa group went to the village to make crafts with the children.
I was able to go with the group to the Exit Club, and we were really able to see God at work tonight in incredible ways. For those of you that don't know what Exit Club is, it is a small group time where missionaries Joanie and Irena talk with young teens about specific issues. The small group times that we have been a part of have included the topics of forgiveness, and broken hearts. Normally Exit Club starts with a game and then the teens watch a short clip made from a Czech Christian organization about the specific topic being addressed that night. After the clip we split up into groups and share our experiences and we pray together.
Tonights topic was on forgiveness, and Joanie was nervous that no young teens would show up. Joanie mentioned that normally they have five to ten people that show up and tonight Joanie and Irena were scared that no one would show up since the kids had also gone to Poland with us the day before. However, praise be to God that six NEW kids showed up!! The kids that came were kids that we had been ministering to in the schools, we had been at an overnight with them, and we went to Poland with some of them. We had handed out the flyer about Exit Club and they came!
After playing games the young teens watched the film and then we split into small groups. In my group some of the girls on my team (including myself) shared some testimonies about forgiveness and about how God had moved in their lives through forgiving others. The testimonies were powerful and at the end we prayed together. What I didn't realize was that the new girls who were in the group with us didn't really know what prayer was. Joanie told me afterwards that the girls didn't know what prayer was so Joanie was able to explain to them what prayer is and why it is important to pray. Again, praise the Lord that these young teens were able to experience prayer for the first time!
Joanie also told me that the NEW boys in the small group came up to Joanie and asked her if all the Americans (taylor team) were also Christian and she was able to share that we were, and why we were here in the Czech Republic.
Joanie was so excited tonight to see all of these newcomers, and we are so excited for Joanie and what God has done tonight in her ministry. Please keep praying for Joanie's ministry and for these kids who came tonight that their eyes will be open to Christ, that they will see Christ, and that they would respond. Thank you so much for your support!
Josie
Today was a great day for the entire Czech team to catch up on some much needed sleep. We had just spent yesterday in Poland visiting Auschwitz and salt mines, and we didn't arrive in Chotebor until one o'clock in the morning. It was wonderful to be able to sleep in a real bed after three days since we had an overnight on Friday, homestays on Saturday, and Sunday night we slept in the cramped bus. It was also great to sleep in until 11 or 12 in the afternoon (this is the only time we were ever able to sleep in this late).
The girls and I washed our clothes by hand today, which was actually really fun! The washing machine here definitely does not work, so the women on this time decided to get our hands dirty :) We all felt like women scrubbing our clothes and we all laughed by how ridiculous we looked with all of us in the bathroom scrubbing away; however, it was a great time! Later on that day some of the team went to "Exit Klub" at four while others went shopping for our events we will have this weekend and the Horni Krupa group went to the village to make crafts with the children.
I was able to go with the group to the Exit Club, and we were really able to see God at work tonight in incredible ways. For those of you that don't know what Exit Club is, it is a small group time where missionaries Joanie and Irena talk with young teens about specific issues. The small group times that we have been a part of have included the topics of forgiveness, and broken hearts. Normally Exit Club starts with a game and then the teens watch a short clip made from a Czech Christian organization about the specific topic being addressed that night. After the clip we split up into groups and share our experiences and we pray together.
Tonights topic was on forgiveness, and Joanie was nervous that no young teens would show up. Joanie mentioned that normally they have five to ten people that show up and tonight Joanie and Irena were scared that no one would show up since the kids had also gone to Poland with us the day before. However, praise be to God that six NEW kids showed up!! The kids that came were kids that we had been ministering to in the schools, we had been at an overnight with them, and we went to Poland with some of them. We had handed out the flyer about Exit Club and they came!
After playing games the young teens watched the film and then we split into small groups. In my group some of the girls on my team (including myself) shared some testimonies about forgiveness and about how God had moved in their lives through forgiving others. The testimonies were powerful and at the end we prayed together. What I didn't realize was that the new girls who were in the group with us didn't really know what prayer was. Joanie told me afterwards that the girls didn't know what prayer was so Joanie was able to explain to them what prayer is and why it is important to pray. Again, praise the Lord that these young teens were able to experience prayer for the first time!
Joanie also told me that the NEW boys in the small group came up to Joanie and asked her if all the Americans (taylor team) were also Christian and she was able to share that we were, and why we were here in the Czech Republic.
Joanie was so excited tonight to see all of these newcomers, and we are so excited for Joanie and what God has done tonight in her ministry. Please keep praying for Joanie's ministry and for these kids who came tonight that their eyes will be open to Christ, that they will see Christ, and that they would respond. Thank you so much for your support!
Josie
1.15.09 (Adam)
Sorry, this blog entry is a little overdue. We have been going non-stop, and I finally have some time to sit down and write about January 15. The day started out in our standard way; we split up into groups, and went to teach English in local schools. Our group ended up heading across the street at 7:45 to begin teaching. Our lessons have pretty much stayed the same, so we have become professionals at U.S. geography and singing the itsy-bitsy spider. After teaching four classes made the trek back across the street to get some lunch and rest for part of the afternoon.
The rest of our afternoon was great. We split up into two groups and visited two different children’s homes. These are essentially orphanages run by the state in which parents can put their children if they are becoming too much of a burden(Their parents can also take them home at any time.) We learned that the Czech Republic government gives parents money when they have children; some parents exploit this system and have kids only to get the money – then send them to the children’s home.
When our group first arrived, Ben, Aaron, Joanie, and I went around every floor trying to get kids to come hang out with us. Most of the kids were already in the gym, but we found 3 small siblings playing house. We were kindly offered some pretend tea and pretend cookies – which were delicious. The woman who was supervising them began to tell us about their story. She mentioned that their parents came to get them for Christmas, but ended up taking them back early because they were too much to handle. It really broke my heart that children this small had to deal with something this big.
After that, we went back downstairs to the cafeteria where the rest of our group – and the kids- were waiting. We started out playing cards and games with the kids. We had fun just interacting with the kids and watching them play. After a couple hours of games we tried to get them to line dance with us, and some of them did. The rest of the kids just watched us and laughed. Then, some of the older kids showed us their hip-hop dance (which, I must admit, was a lot better than our line dance.) Then they tried to teach it to us. We learned part of it, but let’s be honest – people from the Midwest can’t hip-hop dance.
When we were done embarrassing ourselves, we started talking with some of the hip-hop dancers. That surprised me because they were always acting like they were too cool for school, or at least too cool to talk to us. After talking with them for a while, one of them brought Ben and I out in the hallway and showed us his beat-boxing skills. This was some of the most impressive beat boxing I have ever heard, and he was only about 16. We got some on video, so hopefully you will be able to see it. I really wish I could remember his name, but he was too cool for a nametag and sometimes I’m too cool to remember names. This was a great end to our trip to the Children’s home. It was great to be able to just spend time with these kids and show them love- something they don’t get to see very often.
Adam
The rest of our afternoon was great. We split up into two groups and visited two different children’s homes. These are essentially orphanages run by the state in which parents can put their children if they are becoming too much of a burden(Their parents can also take them home at any time.) We learned that the Czech Republic government gives parents money when they have children; some parents exploit this system and have kids only to get the money – then send them to the children’s home.
When our group first arrived, Ben, Aaron, Joanie, and I went around every floor trying to get kids to come hang out with us. Most of the kids were already in the gym, but we found 3 small siblings playing house. We were kindly offered some pretend tea and pretend cookies – which were delicious. The woman who was supervising them began to tell us about their story. She mentioned that their parents came to get them for Christmas, but ended up taking them back early because they were too much to handle. It really broke my heart that children this small had to deal with something this big.
After that, we went back downstairs to the cafeteria where the rest of our group – and the kids- were waiting. We started out playing cards and games with the kids. We had fun just interacting with the kids and watching them play. After a couple hours of games we tried to get them to line dance with us, and some of them did. The rest of the kids just watched us and laughed. Then, some of the older kids showed us their hip-hop dance (which, I must admit, was a lot better than our line dance.) Then they tried to teach it to us. We learned part of it, but let’s be honest – people from the Midwest can’t hip-hop dance.
When we were done embarrassing ourselves, we started talking with some of the hip-hop dancers. That surprised me because they were always acting like they were too cool for school, or at least too cool to talk to us. After talking with them for a while, one of them brought Ben and I out in the hallway and showed us his beat-boxing skills. This was some of the most impressive beat boxing I have ever heard, and he was only about 16. We got some on video, so hopefully you will be able to see it. I really wish I could remember his name, but he was too cool for a nametag and sometimes I’m too cool to remember names. This was a great end to our trip to the Children’s home. It was great to be able to just spend time with these kids and show them love- something they don’t get to see very often.
Adam
Sunday, January 18, 2009
1.17.09 (Amy M.)
Today was very different from the rest of our time here in the Czech Republic. Our team was split into groups of 2’s and 3’s and we spent the day/night with families from the area. Most people went to the houses of students from the primary school across the street, and despite the language barriers, we all had very good experiences.
I spent my day with Amy Barnett and Ben at the home of Roman, the pastor of Horni Krupa. We have been blessed to work side-by-side with Roman every day this week in three different schools near Horni Krupa, and have seen God’s love pour forth from this man. He has truly been given the gift of leadership and he is doing great things in this village. His family is simply incredible, and we were so thankful to spend the afternoon with them. I must be honest…we were pretty much spoiled all day long. Zdenka, Roman’s wife, is an amazing cook and we ate a delicious meal of wild boar, potatoes (of course) and cake. Whoever said the Czech people are not very warm clearly never met this family.
In the afternoon, Amy and I set to work to make five apple pies for a presentation on America we had at the church that night. We weren’t really sure how many people to expect, because all 460 people in the village had received an invitation to the event! Only about 25 people showed up, but it was a great time for us to share about our home and answer questions. The kids had a lot of questions about Disney World and the National Parks.
After our presentation, Ben and I went to our new friends, Ondra and Eva’s house for the night. Ondra was on our soccer team during last week’s tournament (and was pretty much the reason we made it to the championship game) and he, along with his older sister Eva, have been helping us with translating in the schools. It was a really cool time to hang out with them in their homes and get to know them better. We had dinner, played some card games and stayed up way too late.
I know for me personally, today was one of the highlights of this trip so far. Years from now, the thing I will remember most about the Czech Republic is the people I met here and how they impacted my life. We have learned so much from the people here, and we can’t wait to tell you more about it when we get home! We love and miss you all!
God bless.
I spent my day with Amy Barnett and Ben at the home of Roman, the pastor of Horni Krupa. We have been blessed to work side-by-side with Roman every day this week in three different schools near Horni Krupa, and have seen God’s love pour forth from this man. He has truly been given the gift of leadership and he is doing great things in this village. His family is simply incredible, and we were so thankful to spend the afternoon with them. I must be honest…we were pretty much spoiled all day long. Zdenka, Roman’s wife, is an amazing cook and we ate a delicious meal of wild boar, potatoes (of course) and cake. Whoever said the Czech people are not very warm clearly never met this family.
In the afternoon, Amy and I set to work to make five apple pies for a presentation on America we had at the church that night. We weren’t really sure how many people to expect, because all 460 people in the village had received an invitation to the event! Only about 25 people showed up, but it was a great time for us to share about our home and answer questions. The kids had a lot of questions about Disney World and the National Parks.
After our presentation, Ben and I went to our new friends, Ondra and Eva’s house for the night. Ondra was on our soccer team during last week’s tournament (and was pretty much the reason we made it to the championship game) and he, along with his older sister Eva, have been helping us with translating in the schools. It was a really cool time to hang out with them in their homes and get to know them better. We had dinner, played some card games and stayed up way too late.
I know for me personally, today was one of the highlights of this trip so far. Years from now, the thing I will remember most about the Czech Republic is the people I met here and how they impacted my life. We have learned so much from the people here, and we can’t wait to tell you more about it when we get home! We love and miss you all!
God bless.
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